Nosebleed

Symptoms

DEFINITION

• Bleeding from 1 or both nostrils
• No known injury

Causes

• Nosebleeds are common because of the rich blood supply of the nose. Common causes include:
• Dryness of the nasal lining (e.g., from forced air furnace in winter)
• Antihistamines (Reason: they also dry the nose)
• Vigorous nose blowing
• Ibuprofen and aspirin (Reason: increase bleeding tendency) 
• Suctioning the nose can sometimes cause bleeding
• Picking or rubbing the nose
• Predisposing factors that make the nasal lining more fragile: nasal allergies, colds and sinus infections

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Follows injury, see NOSE INJURY

Should I Call?

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Care at Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR NOSEBLEED

1. Reassurance:
   • Nosebleeds are common.
   • You should be able to stop the bleeding if you use the correct technique.
2. Apply Pressure:  
   • Gently squeeze the soft parts of the lower nose against the center wall for 10 minutes.  This should apply continuous pressure to the bleeding point.  
   • Use the thumb and index finger in a pinching manner.
   • If the bleeding continues, move your point of pressure.
   • Have your child sit up and breathe through the mouth during this procedure.
   • If rebleeds, use the same technique again.
3. Insert Gauze:
   • If pressure alone fails, insert a gauze wet with a few decongestant nose drops (e.g., nonprescription Afrin). (Reason: The gauze helps to apply pressure and nose drops shrink the blood vessels).
   • If not available or less than one year old, use petroleum jelly applied to gauze.
   • Repeat the process of gently squeezing the lower soft parts of the nose for 10 minutes.
4. Prevent Recurrent Nosebleeds:
   • If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier to keep the nose from drying out.
   • Apply petroleum jelly to the center wall of the nose twice a day to promote healing.
   • For nose blowing, blow gently.
   • For nose suctioning, don't put the suction tip very far inside. Also, move it gently.
   • Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen (Reason: increase bleeding tendency).
5. Expected Course: Over 99% of nosebleeds will stop following 10 minutes of direct pressure if you press on the right spot. After swallowing blood from a nosebleed, your child may vomit a little blood or pass a dark stool tomorrow.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Unable to stop bleeding with 20 minutes of direct pressure
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Photo Example

Source: LMS Inc.

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